Echocardiography in cardiac arrest: An emergency medicine review

The role of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) imaging in clinical outcomes during cardiac arrest: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cardiac arrest in hospital and out-of-hospital settings is associated with high mortality rates. Therefore, a bedside test that can predict resuscitation outcomes of cardiac arrest patients is of great value. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has the potential to be used as an effective diagnostic and prognostic tool during cardiac arrest, particularly in observing the presence or absence of cardiac activity. However, it is highly susceptible to "self-fulfilling prophecy" and is associated with prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which negatively impacts the survival rates of cardiac arrest patients. As a result, the current systematic review was created to assess the role of POCUS in predicting the clinical outcomes associated with out-of-hospital and in-hospital cardiac arrests.

METHODS

The search for scientific articles related to our study was done either through an electronic database search (i.e., PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, Embase, and Google Scholar) or manually going through the reference list of the relevant articles. A quality appraisal was also carried out with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool (QUADAS-2), and the prognostic test performance (sensitivity and sensitivity) was tabulated.

RESULTS

The search criteria yielded 3984 articles related to our topic, of which only 22 were eligible for inclusion. After reviewing the literature, we noticed a wide variation in the definition of cardiac activity, and the statistical heterogeneity was high; therefore, we could not carry out meta-analyses. The tabulated clinical outcomes based on initial cardiac rhythm and definitions of cardiac activity showed highly inconsistent results.

CONCLUSION

POCUS has the potential to provide valuable information on the management of cardiac arrest patients; however, it should not be used as the sole predictor for the termination of resuscitation efforts.

Ten Influential Point-of-Care Ultrasound Papers: 2022 in Review

Keeping up with the latest developments in the point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) literature is challenging, as with any area of medicine. Our group of POCUS experts has selected 10 influential papers from the past 12 months and provided a short summary of each. We hope to provide emergency physicians, intensivists, and other acute care providers with a succinct update concerning some key areas of ultrasound interest.

Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients in Cardiac Arrest: The Heart and Beyond

Point of care ultrasound involves different ultrasound modalities and is useful to assist management in emergent clinical situations such as cardiac arrest. The use of point of care ultrasound in cardiac arrest has mainly been described using transthoracic echocardiography as a diagnostic and as a prognostic tool. However, cardiac evaluation using transthoracic echocardiography might be challenging because of patient-related or technical factors. Furthermore, its use during pulse check pauses has been associated with delays in chest compression resumption. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) overcomes these limitations by providing reliable and continuous imaging of the heart without interfering with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In this narrative review we describe the role of TEE during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 4 different applications: (1) chest compression quality feedback; (2) rhythm characterization; (3) diagnosis of reversible causes; and (4) procedural guidance. Considering its limitations, we propose an algorithm for the integration of TEE in patients with cardiac arrest with a focus on these 4 applications and extend its use to extracardiac applications.

The use of ultrasonography to guide diagnosis and treatment in resuscitation in a case of arrest due to pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism is one of the reversible causes of death. Simultaneous diagnostic procedures are beneficial for successfully resuscitating patients brought to the emergency department as an arrest after pulmonary embolism. Ultrasonography is one of the few diagnostic procedures to be performed on an unstable patient during resuscitation and is a direct guide for treatment. We followed the passage of the thrombus from the inferior vena cava to the right atrium in the ultrasonography performed simultaneously with the resuscitation of the 76-year-old male patient who was brought to the hospital with arrest, and we started thrombolytic therapy simultaneously with resuscitation. Thrombus enlargement was observed in the right atrium. The patient who did not respond to resuscitation died. Although the causes of reversible arrest are known, there may be uncertainties in diagnostic procedures and treatment during resuscitation. Classical resuscitation practice may be insufficient to solve reversible problems such as pulmonary embolism. Although there are reservations about the inclusion of point-of-care ultrasound in resuscitation, it can play a life-saving role.

Point-of-Care Resuscitative Echocardiography Diagnosis of Intracardiac Thrombus during cardiac arrest (PREDICT Study): A retrospective, observational cohort study

Background

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been previously studied in cardiac arrest, without definitive markers for futile resuscitation efforts identified. Intracardiac thrombus during cardiac arrest has not been systematically studied. Our objective was to describe the incidence of intracardiac thrombus and spontaneous echo contrast found during cardiac arrest.

Methods

A two hospital, retrospective, observational cohort study of 56 cardiac arrest patients who were assessed with POCUS (between January 1st, 2017 to April 30th, 2020). Eligible studies were reviewed for echocardiographic findings (e.g. presence of intracardiac thrombus or spontaneous echo contrast), baseline patient demographics, cardiac arrest-related data, and clinical outcomes. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.

Results

Fifty-six intra-arrest POCUS echocardiograms were identified (out of 738 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests). The median patient age was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 51–72), with 25% female patients, and median Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 4 (IQR: 2–6). The incidence of intracardiac thrombus was 21 out of 56 patients (38%). Time-to-new thrombus formation during cardiac arrest was approximately 6 minutes (IQR: 2-–8). All patients with intracardiac thrombus during cardiac arrest had termination of resuscitation.

Conclusions

Intracardiac thrombus is potentially common during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and was observed more frequently in those in whom termination of resuscitation was recommended. However, this is only hypothesis-generating at this time, and further study is required to determine if the presence of intracardiac thrombus may be used as a potential marker of resuscitation futility.

The Parasternal Long Axis View in Isolation: Is it Good Enough?

BACKGROUND

Focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) is a vital tool to evaluate patients at the bedside, but its use can be limited by patient habitus, sonographer skill, and time to perform the examination.

OBJECTIVE

Our primary goal was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the parasternal long axis (PSLA) view in isolation for identifying pericardial effusion, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, and right ventricular (RV) dilatation compared with a four-view FOCUS examination.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study looking at FOCUS images. Examinations were blinded and randomized for review by point-of-care ultrasound faculty. The primary objective was measured by comparing ultrasound findings on PSLA view in isolation with findings on a full four-view FOCUS examination, which served as the criterion standard. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 100 FOCUS examinations; 36% were normal, 16% had a pericardial effusion, 41% had an LV ejection fraction < 50%, and 7% had RV dilatation. Sensitivity and specificity for identifying pericardial effusion, LV dysfunction, and RV dilatation were 81% (confidence interval [CI] 0.54-0.95) and 98% (95% CI 0.91-0.99), 100% (95% CI 0.88-1) and 91% (95% CI 0.80-0.97), and 71% (95% CI 0.30-0.94) and 99% (95% CI 0.93-1), respectively. All moderate to large effusions were identified correctly. Overall, there were only four clinically significant disagreements between PSLA alone and the four-view interpretations.

CONCLUSIONS

In isolation, the PSLA view was highly sensitive and specific for identifying LV ejection fraction and moderate to large pericardial effusions. It was highly specific for identifying RV dilatation, but had only moderate sensitivity.

Point-of-care ultrasound for critically-ill patients: A mini-review of key diagnostic features and protocols

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) for managing critically ill patients is increasingly performed by intensivists or emergency physicians. Results of needs surveys among intensivists reveal emphasis on basic cardiac, lung and abdominal ultrasound, which are the commonest POCUS modalities in the intensive care unit. We therefore aim to describe the key diagnostic features of basic cardiac, lung and abdominal ultrasound as practised by intensivists or emergency physicians in terms of accuracy (sensitivity, specificity), clinical utility and limitations. We also aim to explore POCUS protocols that integrate basic cardiac, lung and abdominal ultrasound, and highlight areas for future research.

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Performed Extended Focused Assessment With Sonography: Training, Workflow, and Sustainable Quality

The extended focused assessment of trauma (EFAST) examination is an invaluable tool for the initial evaluation of the trauma patient. Miniaturization of ultrasound has enabled helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) to use point-of-care ultrasound to care for trauma patients on scene. Our study demonstrated that HEMS crews accurately performed EFAST examinations after the implementation of a novel HEMS EFAST workflow, multifaceted training, and ongoing quality assurance. The HEMS crews' overall sensitivity was 53%, and specificity was 98%. The obtained image quality was highest for the lung, cardiac, and right upper quadrant components of the EFAST. Our results suggest that with a structured multifaceted training program, user-friendly workflow, and ongoing quality assurance, HEMS crews can perform EFAST examinations safely and reliably in the field. This would allow HEMS crews to detect life-threatening, time-sensitive conditions such as a pneumothorax, pericardial effusion, and intraperitoneal hemorrhage. HEMS EFAST has the potential to triage certain trauma patients directly to the operating room or newly emerging hybrid suites, bypassing the emergency room and saving crucial time.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound Use by EMS Providers in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

AIM

Paramedics received training in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to assess for cardiac contractility during management of medical out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The primary outcome was the percentage of adequate POCUS video acquisition and accurate video interpretation during OHCA resuscitations. Secondary outcomes included POCUS impact on patient management and resuscitation protocol adherence.

METHODS

A prospective, observational cohort study of paramedics was performed following a four-hour training session, which included a didactic lecture and hands-on POCUS instruction. The Prehospital Echocardiogram in Cardiac Arrest (PECA) protocol was developed and integrated into the resuscitation algorithm for medical non-shockable OHCA. The ultrasound (US) images were reviewed by a single POCUS expert investigator to determine the adequacy of the POCUS video acquisition and accuracy of the video interpretation. Change in patient management and resuscitation protocol adherence data, including end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) monitoring following advanced airway placement, adrenaline administration, and compression pauses under ten seconds, were queried from the prehospital electronic health record (EHR).

RESULTS

Captured images were deemed adequate in 42/49 (85.7%) scans and paramedic interpretation of sonography was accurate in 43/49 (87.7%) scans. The POCUS results altered patient management in 14/49 (28.6%) cases. Paramedics adhered to EtCO2 monitoring in 36/36 (100.0%) patients with an advanced airway, adrenaline administration for 38/38 (100.0%) patients, and compression pauses under ten seconds for 36/38 (94.7%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Paramedics were able to accurately obtain and interpret cardiac POCUS videos during medical OHCA while adhering to a resuscitation protocol. These findings suggest that POCUS can be effectively integrated into paramedic protocols for medical OHCA.

Performance of an automated ultrasound device in identifying and tracing the heart in porcine cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

While intra-arrest echocardiography can be used to guide and monitor chest compression quality, it is not currently feasible on the scene of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Rapid and automated sonographic localization of the heart may provide first-responders guidance to an optimal area of compression without requiring them to interpret ultrasound images. In this proof-of-concept porcine study, we sought to describe the performance of an automated ultrasound device in correctly identifying and tracing the borders of the heart in three distinct states: pre-arrest, arrest, and late arrest.

METHODS

An automated ultrasound device (bladder scanner) was placed on the chests of 7 swine, along the left sternal border (4th-8th intercostal spaces). Scanner-generated images were recorded for each space during pre-arrest, arrest, and finally late arrest. 828 images of the LV and LV outflow tract were randomized and 150 (50/state) selected for analysis. Scanner tracings of the heart were then digitally obscured to facilitate tracing by expert reviewers who were blinded to the physiologic state. Reviewer tracings were compared to bladder scanner tracings; with concordance between these images determined via Sørensen-Dice index (SDI).

RESULTS

When compared to human reviewers, the bladder scanner was able to identify and trace the borders during cardiac arrest. The bladder scanner performed best at the time of arrest (SDI 0.900 ± 0.059). As resuscitation efforts continued and time from initial arrest increased, the scanner's performance decreased dramatically (SDI 0.597 ± 0.241 in late arrest).

CONCLUSION

An automated ultrasound device (bladder scanner) reliably traced porcine hearts during cardiac arrest. It is possible a device could be developed to indicate where compressions should be performed without requiring the operator to interpret ultrasound images. Further investigation into rapid, automated, sonographic localization of the heart to identify the area of compression in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is warranted.

Point-of-care ultrasound in cardiorespiratory arrest (POCUS-CA): narrative review article

The POCUS-CA (Point-of-care ultrasound in cardiac arrest) is a diagnostic tool in the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department setting. The literature indicates that in the patient in a cardiorespiratory arrest it can provide information of the etiology of the arrest in patients with non-defibrillable rhythms, assess the quality of compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and define prognosis of survival according to specific findings and, thus, assist the clinician in decision-making during resuscitation. This narrative review of the literature aims to expose the usefulness of ultrasound in the setting of cardiorespiratory arrest as a tool that allows making a rapid diagnosis and making decisions about reversible causes of this entity. More studies are needed to support the evidence to make ultrasound part of the resuscitation algorithms. Teamwork during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the inclusion of ultrasound in a multidisciplinary approach is important to achieve a favorable clinical outcome.

U SO CARE-The Impact of Cardiac Ultrasound during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Prospective Randomized Simulator-Based Trial

BACKGROUND

Actual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines recommend point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS); however, data on POCUS during CPR are sparse and conflicting. This randomized trial investigated the effects of POCUS during CPR on team performance and diagnostic accuracy.

METHODS

Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine residents performed CPR with or without available POCUS in simulated cardiac arrests. The primary endpoint was hands-on time. Data analysis was performed using video recordings.

RESULTS

Hands-on time was 89% (87-91) in the POCUS and 92% (89-94) in the control group (difference 3, 95% CI for difference 2-4, p < 0.001). POCUS teams had delayed defibrillator attachments (33 vs. 26 sec, p = 0.017) and first rhythm analysis (74 vs. 52 sec, p = 0.001). Available POCUS was used in 71%. Of the POCUS teams, 3 stated a POCUS-derived diagnosis, with 49 being correct and 42 followed by a correct treatment decision. Four teams made a wrong diagnosis and two made an inappropriate treatment decision.

CONCLUSIONS

POCUS during CPR resulted in lower hands-on times and delayed rhythm analysis. Correct POCUS diagnoses occurred in 52%, correct treatment decisions in 44%, and inappropriate treatment decisions in 2%. Training on POCUS during CPR should focus on diagnostic accuracy and maintenance of high-quality CPR.

Focused echocardiography, end-tidal carbon dioxide, arterial blood pressure or near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring during paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A scoping review

AIM

To evaluate the individual use and predictive value of focused echocardiography, end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), invasive arterial blood pressure (BP) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in children.

METHODS

This scoping review was undertaken as part of the continuous evidence evaluation process of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews. PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE were searched from the last ILCOR reviews until September 2020. We included all published studies evaluating the effect of echocardiography, EtCO2, BP or NIRS guided CPR on clinical outcomes and quality of CPR.

RESULTS

We identified eight observational studies, including 288 children. Two case series reported the use of echocardiography, one in detecting pulmonary emboli, the second in cardiac standstill, where contractility was regained with the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The two studies describing EtCO2 were ambivalent regarding the association between mean values and any outcomes. Mean diastolic BP was associated with increased survival and favourable neurological outcome, but not with new substantive morbidity in two studies describing an overlapping population. NIRS values reflected changes in EtCO2 and cerebral blood volume index in two studies, with lower values in patients who did not achieve return of circulation.

CONCLUSION

Although there seems some beneficial effect of these intra-arrest variables, higher quality paediatric studies are needed to evaluate whether echocardiography, EtCO2, BP or NIRS guided CPR could improve outcomes.

A Novel Anatomic Landmark to Target the Left Ventricle During Chest Compressions in Cardiac Arrest

Background Resuscitation guidelines recommend that chest compressions be performed over the lower sternum. Current computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies suggest that the current area of compression does not target the left ventricle (LV). Using transthoracic ultrasound, we sought to identify potential anatomic landmarks that would result in compressions over the LV in the majority of our study participants. Methodology We recruited 64 healthy men and women (over the age of 40) from the Simulated Patient Program at the University of Saskatchewan. Using ultrasound, we identified the LV and the associated surface anatomy in terms of intercostal space (ICS) and parasternal or mid-clavicular lines. We also collected biometric data including body mass index, chest circumference, and the corresponding inter-nipple line ICS. Results The LV was located along the left sternal border in 62 (96.9%) participants. The most frequent LV location was along the left sternal border at the sixth ICS in 26 (40.6%) participants, with 13 (20.3%) at the fifth and 10 (15.6%) participants at the seventh ICS. In two (3.1%) participants, the LV was found along the mid-clavicular zone at the fifth ICS. The area from the fifth to seventh ICS on the left sternal border, typically covered by an adult palm centered at the sixth ICS, overlaid 49 of 64 (76.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 64.3-86.2%) identified LV locations. By comparison, centering the heel of the palm over the inter-nipple line at the left sternal border would cover the LV in 46 (71.9%, 95% CI: 59.2-82.4%) participants.  Conclusions A novel area of compression over the left sternal border at the inter-nipple line would result in compressions over the LV in nearly three-quarters of our study participants. Future research should investigate whether this proposed area of compression is applicable to a broader population including those with cardiac and thoracic disease.

Use of a Simple Ultrasound Device to Identify the Optimal Area of Compression for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Background Despite automated defibrillation and compression-first resuscitation, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival remains low. Resuscitation guidelines recommend that chest compressions should be done over the lower half of the sternum, but evidence indicates that this is often associated with outflow obstruction. Emerging studies suggest that compression directly over the left ventricle (LV) may improve survival and outcomes, but rapid and reliable localization of the LV is a major obstacle for those first responding to OHCA. This study aimed to determine if a simplified, easy-to-use ultrasound device (bladder scanner) can reliably locate the heart when applied over the intercostal spaces of the anterior thorax in supine patients. Furthermore, we sought to describe the association between largest scan volumes and underlying cardiac anatomy with particular attention to the long axis of the LV. Methodology We recruited healthy male and female volunteers over 40 years of age. Using a bladder scanner to evaluate the left sternal border and mid-clavicular lines, we determined the maximal scan volumes at 10 intercostal spaces for each participant. Cardiac ultrasound was then used to evaluate the corresponding underlying cardiac anatomy and determine the area overlying the long-axis view of the LV. Descriptive statistics (means with standard deviations [SD], medians with interquartile ranges, and frequencies with proportions) were used to quantify demographic information, typical scan volumes across the chest, the frequencies of the best long-axis LV view location. This was then repeated for left sternal border assessments only. Kappa was determined when evaluating agreement between the largest left sternal border scan volume and the best long-axis LV view location. Results The long-axis LV was the predominant structure underlying the largest scan volume in 39/51 (76.5%) patients. When limited to left sternal border volumes only, the long axis of the LV was underlying the maximum volume intercostal space in 46/51 (90.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 78.6%, 96.7%). The largest left sternal border scan volumes were located over the best long-axis LV view in 39/51 (76.5%, 95% CI: 62.5%, 87.2%) of the study participants with a Kappa statistic of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.52, 0.84; p < 0.0001).  Conclusions In this cross-sectional study of healthy volunteers, an easy-to-use ultrasound device (bladder scanner) was able to reliably localize the heart. Largest scan volumes over the left sternal border showed substantial agreement with the intercostal space overlying the long axis of the LV. Further investigations are warranted to determine if such localization is reliable in cardiac arrest patients.

Barriers to point-of-care ultrasound utilization during cardiac arrest in the emergency department: a regional survey of emergency physicians

INTRODUCTION

Though point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is recognized as a useful diagnostic and prognostic intervention during cardiac arrest (CA), critics advise caution. The purpose of this survey study was to determine the barriers to POCUS during CA in the Emergency Department (ED).

METHODS

Two survey instruments were distributed to emergency medicine (EM) attending and resident physicians at three academic centers in the South Florida. The surveys assessed demographics, experience, proficiency, attitudes and barriers. Descriptive and inferential statistics along with Item Response Theory Logistic Model and the Friedman Test with Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests were used to profile responses and rank barriers.

RESULTS

206 EM physicians were invited to participate in the survey, and 187 (91%) responded. 59% of attending physicians and 47% of resident physicians reported that POCUS is performed in all their cases of CA. 5% of attending physicians and 0% of resident physicians reported never performing POCUS during CA. The top-ranked departmental barrier for attending physicians was "No structured curriculum to educate physicians on POCUS." The top-ranked personal barriers were "I do not feel comfortable with my POCUS skills" and "I do not have sufficient time to dedicate to learning POCUS." The top-ranked barriers for resident physicians were "Time to retrieve and operate the machine" and "Chaotic milieu."

CONCLUSIONS

While our study demonstrates that most attending and resident physicians utilize POCUS in CA, barriers to high-quality implementation exist. Top attending physician barriers relate to POCUS education, while the top resident physician barriers relate to logistics and the machines. Interventions to overcome these barriers might lead to optimization of POCUS performance during CA in the ED.

Unplanned hospital admission after ambulatory surgery: a retrospective, single cohort study

PURPOSE

We estimated the rate of unplanned hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions following ambulatory surgery centre (ASC) procedures, and identified factors associated with their occurrence.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort included adult patients who underwent ASC procedures within a large community practice from January 2010 to December 2014. Patients were categorized into two groups: unplanned postoperative hospital/ICU admission within 24 hr of procedure or uneventful discharge. Demographics, comorbidities, anesthesia type, procedure type, procedure group, and ASC facility were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 211,389 patients included, there were 211,147 uneventful discharges (99.89%) and 242 unplanned hospital admissions (0.11%), of which 75 were ICU admissions (0.04%). The multivariable logistic regression model for hospital admission showed an increased risk associated with age > 50 yr (odds ratio [OR], 1.53); American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status (III vs II: OR, 1.45; IV vs II: OR, 1.88), comorbidity (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: OR, 2.63; diabetes mellitus: OR, 1.62; transient ischemic attack: OR, 2.48) procedure (respiratory: OR, 2.92; digestive: OR, 2.66; musculoskeletal system: OR, 2.53), anesthetic management (general anesthesia [GA] and peripheral nerve block vs GA: OR, 1.79), and ASC facility (189BB: OR, 2.29; 30E9A: OR, 7.41; and BD21F: OR, 1.69). The multivariable logistic regression model for ICU admission showed increased risk of unplanned ICU admission associated with ASA physical status (ASA III vs II: OR, 3.0; ASA IV vs II: OR, 8.52), procedure (musculoskeletal system: OR, 2.45), and ASC facility (00E6C: OR, 3.14; 189BB: OR, 2.77; 30E9A: OR, 2.59; and BD21F: OR, 3.71).

CONCLUSION

While a small percentage of adult patients who underwent ASC procedures required unplanned hospital admission (0.07%), approximately one-third of these admissions were to the ICU (0.04%). Facility was at least as strong a predictor of hospital admission as the patient- and/or procedure-specific variables.

Unplanned hospital admission after ambulatory surgery: a retrospective, single cohort study

PURPOSE

We estimated the rate of unplanned hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions following ambulatory surgery centre (ASC) procedures, and identified factors associated with their occurrence.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort included adult patients who underwent ASC procedures within a large community practice from January 2010 to December 2014. Patients were categorized into two groups: unplanned postoperative hospital/ICU admission within 24 hr of procedure or uneventful discharge. Demographics, comorbidities, anesthesia type, procedure type, procedure group, and ASC facility were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 211,389 patients included, there were 211,147 uneventful discharges (99.89%) and 242 unplanned hospital admissions (0.11%), of which 75 were ICU admissions (0.04%). The multivariable logistic regression model for hospital admission showed an increased risk associated with age > 50 yr (odds ratio [OR], 1.53); American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status (III vs II: OR, 1.45; IV vs II: OR, 1.88), comorbidity (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: OR, 2.63; diabetes mellitus: OR, 1.62; transient ischemic attack: OR, 2.48) procedure (respiratory: OR, 2.92; digestive: OR, 2.66; musculoskeletal system: OR, 2.53), anesthetic management (general anesthesia [GA] and peripheral nerve block vs GA: OR, 1.79), and ASC facility (189BB: OR, 2.29; 30E9A: OR, 7.41; and BD21F: OR, 1.69). The multivariable logistic regression model for ICU admission showed increased risk of unplanned ICU admission associated with ASA physical status (ASA III vs II: OR, 3.0; ASA IV vs II: OR, 8.52), procedure (musculoskeletal system: OR, 2.45), and ASC facility (00E6C: OR, 3.14; 189BB: OR, 2.77; 30E9A: OR, 2.59; and BD21F: OR, 3.71).

CONCLUSION

While a small percentage of adult patients who underwent ASC procedures required unplanned hospital admission (0.07%), approximately one-third of these admissions were to the ICU (0.04%). Facility was at least as strong a predictor of hospital admission as the patient- and/or procedure-specific variables.

Rhythms and prognosis of patients with cardiac arrest, emphasis on pseudo-pulseless electrical activity: another reason to use ultrasound in emergency rooms in Colombia

BACKGROUND

The cardiac arrest is still an emergency with a bad prognosis. The growing adoption of bedside ultrasound allowed to classify PEA in two groups: the true PEA and the pseudo-PEA. pPEA is used to describe a patient who has a supposed PEA in the absence of pulse, with evidence of some cardiac activity on the bedside ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to assess the bedside ultrasound use as a predictor for ROSC and survival at discharge in cardiac arrest patients and compare the pseudo-pulseless electrical activity to other cardiac arrest rhythms, including shockable rhythms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is an observational, historic cohort study carried out in the emergency room of the University Hospital Mayor Méderi. Data were collected from all the adult patients treated for cardiac arrest from June 2018 to 2019. An ultrasound was performed to every cardiac arrest patient.

RESULTS

Of a total of 108 patients, the median of the age was 71 years, 65.8% were male subjects, and the most frequent cause for cardiac arrest was the cardiogenic shock (32.4%). ROSC was observed in 41 cases (37.9%) and survival at discharge was 18 cases (16.7%). VF/VT and pPEA were the two rhythms that showed the highest ROSC and survival at discharge. For the pPEA group, we were able to conclude that the cardiac activity type is related to ROSC.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant difference for ROSC and survival at discharge prognosis among the cardiac arrest rhythms, with better outcomes for VF/VT and pPEA. Among patients with PEA, a routine ultrasound assessment is recommended. The type of cardiac activity recorded during the ultrasound of the cardiac arrest patient might be related to the ROSC and survival at discharge prognosis.

Echocardiography does not prolong peri-shock pause in cardiopulmonary resuscitation using the COACH-RED protocol with non-expert sonographers in simulated cardiac arrest

OBJECTIVE

Focused echocardiography during peri-shock pause (PSP) can prognosticate and detect reversible causes in cardiac arrest but minimising interruptions to chest compressions improves outcome. The COACH-RED protocol was adapted from the COACHED protocol to systematically incorporate echocardiography into rhythm check without prolonging PSP beyond the recommended 10 s. The primary objective of this study was to test the feasibility of emergency nurses learning to perform all roles in the COACH-RED protocol. PSP duration and change in participant confidence were secondary outcomes.

METHODS

After an initial two-hour workshop, five ALS-trained nurses were assessed for the correct use of COACH-RED protocol, without critical error, in three simulated cardiac arrest scenarios of four cycles each. Assessments were repeated on days 7 and 35. On day 35, three COACHED scenarios were also assessed for comparison. Participant roles per scenario and cardiac rhythm per cycle were randomised. Participants completed questionnaires on their confidence levels. Sessions were videotaped for accurate measurement of PSP duration and results tabulated for simple comparison. Statistical analysis was not performed due to small sample size.

RESULTS

There were no critical errors, two minor team-leading errors and two minor echosonography errors. Minor errors occurred in separate scenarios resulting in a 100% pass rate overall by predetermined criteria. Echocardiographic recordings were 100% adequate. Overall median PSP was 9.35 s for COACH-RED and 6.94 s for COACHED. Sub-group analysis of COACH-RED revealed median PSP 10.80 s in shockable rhythms and 8.74 s (∼2 s less) in non-shockable rhythms. Mean participant confidence in performing COACH-RED improved from 1.6 to 4.6, on a 5-point scale.

CONCLUSION

The COACH-RED protocol can be effectively performed by ALS-trained nurses, in all roles of this protocol, including echocardiography, in a simulated environment, after a single training session. Using this protocol, focused echocardiography does not prolong PSP beyond 10 s.

Transesophageal echocardiography in patients with cardiac arrest: from high-quality chest compression to effective resuscitation

BACKGROUND

Survival after cardiac arrest depends on prompt and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can be applied to evaluate the effectiveness of chest compression-decompression maneuvers in the setting of cardiac arrest undergoing CPR. The efficacy of chest compression can be continuously assessed by TEE that can improve the effectiveness of CPR guiding the rescuer to optimize or correct chest compression and decompression by directly examining the movements of the cardiac walls and valve leaflets.

PURPOSE

The review describes how to perform TEE in the emergency setting of cardiopulmonary arrest, its advantages, and limitations, and ultimately propose an echo-guided approach to CPR.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with an initial non-shockable rhythm could be candidates for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a retrospective study

Background

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is a promising treatment for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Most studies evaluating the effectiveness of ECPR include patients with an initial shockable rhythm. However, the effectiveness of ECPR for patients with an initial non-shockable rhythm remains unknown. This retrospective single-center study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ECPR for patients with an initial non-shockable rhythm, with reference to the outcomes of OHCA patients with an initial shockable rhythm.

Methods

Adult OHCA patients treated with ECPR at our center during 2011–2018 were included in the study. Patients were classified into the initial shockable rhythm group and the non-shockable rhythm group. The primary outcome was the cerebral performance category (CPC) scale score at hospital discharge. A CPC score of 1 or 2 was defined as a good outcome.

Results

In total, 186 patients were eligible. Among them, 124 had an initial shockable rhythm and 62 had an initial non-shockable rhythm. Among all patients, 158 (85%) were male, with a median age of 59 (interquartile range [IQR], 48–65) years, and the median low flow time was 41 (IQR, 33–48) min. Collapse was witnessed in 169 (91%) patients, and 36 (19%) achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) transiently. Proportion of female patients, presence of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and collapse after the arrival of emergency medical service personnel were significantly higher in the non-shockable rhythm group. The rate of good outcomes at hospital discharge was not significantly different between the shockable and non-shockable groups (19% vs. 16%, p = 0.69). Initial shockable rhythm was not significantly associated with good outcome after controlling for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.66–3.81, p = 0.31). In the non-shockable group, patients with good outcomes had a higher rate of transient ROSC, and pulmonary embolism was the leading etiology.

Conclusions

The outcomes of patients with an initial non-shockable rhythm are comparable with those having an initial shockable rhythm. OHCA patients with an initial non-shockable rhythm could be candidates for ECPR, if they are presumed to have reversible etiology and potential for good neurological recovery.

Point-of-care cardiac ultrasound during cardiac arrest: a reliable tool for termination of resuscitation?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is commonly used during cardiac arrest to screen for potential causes and to inform termination of resuscitation. However, unique biases and limitations in diagnostic and prognostic test accuracy studies lead to potential for misinterpretation. The present review highlights recent evidence regarding POCUS in cardiac arrest, guides the incorporation of POCUS into clinical management, and outlines how to improve the certainty of evidence.

RECENT FINDINGS

Multiple frameworks organize and direct POCUS during cardiac arrest. Although many are proofs of concept, several have been prospectively evaluated. Indirect evidence from undifferentiated shock suggests that POCUS offers better specificity than sensitivity as a diagnostic aid. The prognostic accuracy of POCUS during cardiac arrest to predict subsequent clinical outcomes is better characterized, but subject to unique biases and confounding. Low certainty direct evidence suggests that POCUS offers better specificity than sensitivity as a prognostic aid.

SUMMARY

POCUS findings might indicate a particular diagnosis or encourage the continuation of resuscitation, but absence of the same is not sufficient in isolation to exclude a particular diagnosis or cease resuscitation. Until the evidence to support POCUS during cardiac arrest is more certain, it is best characterized as a diagnostic and prognostic adjunct.

Point-of-care ultrasound at Role 1: is it time for a rethink?

Introduction

The past 20 years have seen a rapid increase in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use in the prehospital sphere. However, in the British Army there is no POCUS capability in the Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) or deployed Role 1 setting. POCUS can improve diagnostic capability, influence management decisions and transfer destination, and is a useful triage tool in mass casualty management.

Method

A survey on POCUS use was sent to 279 clinicians working in the Role 1, civilian prehospital and Defence Primary Healthcare environments. Questions explored current levels of experience and training, indications for use and attitudes towards roll out. Results were analysed using a mixed methods approach.

Results

There were 124 respondents (279 recipients; 44.4% response rate). 74.2% (92 respondents) had no experience of using POCUS while 9.7% (12 respondents) were classed as frequent users. The four most common indications for prehospital POCUS were abdominal, cardiac and lung imaging and vascular access. The majority of respondents felt that POCUS would add value in the deployed Role 1 environment; this was even more evident in the frequent user group. Common concerns were difficulty maintaining currency, governance burden and uncertainty over impact on management.

Conclusion

The majority of doctors surveyed feel that POCUS would add value at Role 1 and is a capability that should be developed. The authors will watch with interest the progress of Project MORPHO.

Prognostication with point-of-care echocardiography during cardiac arrest: A systematic review

AIM

To conduct a prognostic factor systematic review on point-of-care echocardiography during cardiac arrest to predict clinical outcomes in adults with non-traumatic cardiac arrest in any setting.

METHODS

We conducted this review per PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (ID pending). We searched Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library on September 6, 2019. Two investigators screened titles and abstracts, extracted data, and assessed risks of bias using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) template. We estimated prognostic test performance (sensitivity and specificity) and measures of association (odds ratio). Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology evaluated the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

In total, 15 studies were included. We found wide variation across studies in the definition of 'cardiac motion' and timing of sonographic assessment. Most studies were hindered by high risks of bias from prognostic factor measurement, outcome measurement, and lack of adjustment for other prognostic factors. Ultimately, heterogeneity and risk of bias precluded meta-analyses. We tabulated ranges of prognostic test performance and measures of association for 5 different combinations of definitions of 'cardiac motion' and sonographic timing, as well as other miscellaneous sonographic findings. Overall certainty of this evidence is very low.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for using point-of-care echocardiography as a prognostic tool for clinical outcomes during cardiac arrest is of very low certainty and is hampered by multiple risks of bias. No sonographic finding had sufficient and/or consistent sensitivity for any clinical outcome to be used as sole criterion to terminate resuscitation.

Cardiac Thrombus Formation During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Cardiac Arrest: Is It Time for Ultrasound-Enhanced Algorithms?

Current guidelines consider thrombosis as a potential (and reversible) cause of cardiorespiratory arrest (CA). However, cardiac thrombus formation (TF) is likely to be the consequence of the forward blood flow ceasing during cardiac standstill. We present the case of a young man who was hospitalized for infective endocarditis, complicated by multiorgan disease and sudden CA on the 5^th day. Prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) warranted a return of spontaneous circulation in 16 min but, unexpectedly, a TF was recognized in the right atrium at echocardiography. The blood clot resolved with rapid administration of endovenous heparin and continued chest compressions. Even though cardiac ultrasound is not ready for a routine use during CPR, the present study confirms a key role in the management of CA patients.

Prognostic value of point-of-care ultrasound during cardiac arrest: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Despite significant improvements in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of mortality in the United States. Ultrasound is a widely available tool that can be used to evaluate the presence of cardiac wall motion during cardiac arrest. Several clinical studies have evaluated the use of ultrasound to visualize cardiac motion as a predictor of mortality in cardiac arrest patients. However, there are limited data summarizing the prognostic value of point of care ultrasound evaluation during resuscitation. We performed a systematic literature review of the existing evidence examining the clinical utility of point-of-care ultrasound evaluation of cardiac wall motion as a predictor of cardiac resuscitation outcomes.

METHODS/RESULTS

We performed a systematic PubMed search of clinical studies up to July 23, 2019 evaluating point-of-care sonographic cardiac motion as a predictor of mortality following cardiac resuscitation. We included studies written in English that reviewed short-term outcomes and included adult populations. Fifteen clinical studies met inclusion criteria for assessing cardiac wall motion with point-of-care ultrasound and outcomes following cardiac resuscitation. Fourteen of the fifteen studies showed a statistically significant correlation between the presence of cardiac motion on ultrasound and short-term survival. This was most evident in patients with ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia as a presenting rhythm. Absence of cardiac motion non-survival. The data were pooled and the overall pooled odds ratio for return of spontaneous circulation in the presence of cardiac motion during CPR was 12.4 +/1 2.7 (p <  0.001).

CONCLUSION

Evaluation of cardiac motion on transthoracic echocardiogram is a valuable tool in the prediction of short-term cardiac resuscitation outcomes. Given the safety and availability of ultrasound in the emergency department, it is reasonable to apply point-of-care ultrasound to cardiopulmonary resuscitation as long as its use does not interrupt resuscitation.

Recent advances in personalizing cardiac arrest resuscitation

Cardiac arrest remains a significant cause of death and disability throughout the world. However, as our understanding of cardiac arrest and resuscitation physiology has developed, new technologies are fundamentally altering our potential to improve survival and neurologic sequela. Some advances are relatively simple, requiring only alterations in current basic life support measures or integration with pre-hospital organization, whereas others, such as extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation, require significant time and resource investments. When combined with consistent rescuer and patient-physiologic monitoring, these innovations allow an unprecedented capacity to personalize cardiac arrest resuscitation to patient-specific pathophysiology. However, as more extensive options are established, it can be difficult for providers to incorporate novel resuscitation techniques into a cardiac arrest protocol which can fit a wide variety of cases with varying complexity. This article will explore recent advances in our understanding of cardiac arrest physiology and resuscitation sciences, with particular focus on the metabolic phase after significant ischemia has been induced. To this end, we establish a practical consideration for providers seeking to integrate novel advances in cardiac arrest resuscitation into daily practice.

Point-of-care echocardiography - A road to future or a step backwards

Echocardiography (Echo) has a myriad of clinical applications. Traditionally, it was performed and interpreted by cardiologist but the scope of its applications has lead physicians of other specialities to learn this useful skill. One of the newer and expanding scope of echocardiography is point-of-care (POC) echocardiography. In this review article, we aim to discuss the clinical applications of POC echo, common protocols and its limitations. Despite its widespread use, there is paucity of data describing its clinical efficacy and there is lack of guidelines regarding credentialing and quality control of POC echo.